Our Take on The Grand Tour — A Fresh Engine Roars Back
The Grand Tour reboots with a new trio, injecting fresh energy into the beloved motoring format. Is it still the world's greatest car show, or just a pale imitation?
About The Grand Tour
- Platform: Amazon Prime Video
- Release Date:
- IMDb Rating: 9.6/10
- Genres: Reality
Welcome to The Grand Tour. The world's greatest motoring show reboots with new presenters - Thomas Holland, James Engelsman and Francis Bourgeois - and its trademark blend of global adventure, incredible vehicles, epic stunts and strong opinions.
WatchThisFlix Review
By WatchThisFlix Editorial Team
## The Setup
The year is 2026, and the automotive world has been holding its breath. *The Grand Tour*, a show synonymous with global adventure, high-octane stunts, and the often-combustible chemistry of its original presenters, has returned. But this isn't your daddy's *Grand Tour*. Out go the familiar faces, and in step a fresh, undeniably intriguing trio: Thomas Holland, James Engelsman, and Francis Bourgeois. The premise, however, remains comfortingly familiar: three hosts, a seemingly limitless budget, exotic locales, and a relentless pursuit of automotive excellence, often punctuated by spectacular failure. Amazon Prime Video has clearly invested heavily in this reboot, aiming to capture the magic that made the original a global phenomenon while simultaneously charting a new course. The series promises the trademark blend of incredible vehicles, epic challenges, and strong opinions, now filtered through the unique lenses of its new hosts. It's a high-stakes gamble, attempting to reignite a franchise built on decades of established personalities with an entirely new dynamic.
From the opening sequence, it's clear the production values are as stratospheric as ever. We're immediately plunged into a visually stunning, globe-trotting spectacle, with the first episode kicking off in the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia. The initial challenge involves a trio of highly modified off-roaders attempting to navigate treacherous terrain, setting a tone of ambitious, large-scale automotive mayhem. While the core DNA of the show — the road trips, the challenges, the banter — is instantly recognizable, the personalities driving it are entirely new. The show understands its legacy but isn't afraid to forge its own path, even if that path is paved with the potential for both triumph and spectacular misstep.
## What Works
Let's cut to the chase: the new trio works, and it works surprisingly well. Thomas Holland, best known for his acting chops, brings an unexpected everyman charm and a genuine enthusiasm for cars that feels infectious. He's not a seasoned petrolhead in the traditional sense, but his eagerness to learn and his willingness to throw himself into ludicrous situations makes him incredibly relatable. His segments often involve him as the guinea pig, a role he embraces with a self-deprecating humor that quickly endears him to the audience. For instance, in the opening Patagonian special, his genuine struggle with a particularly gnarly river crossing, culminating in a hilariously waterlogged interior, feels authentic and unscripted.
James Engelsman, a recognized automotive journalist and presenter, acts as the intellectual anchor. He's the one who can articulate the finer points of engine architecture or suspension dynamics without sounding like he's reading from a spec sheet. His reviews of hypercars and classic vehicles are insightful and genuinely informative, offering a depth that balances Holland's more visceral reactions. He also possesses a dry wit that slowly but surely emerges, often delivering the most understated yet cutting lines. His segment comparing three electric hypercars in a drag race across a salt flat, where he deftly explains the nuances of their power delivery and battery management, is a masterclass in engaging automotive journalism.
But the true wildcard, and arguably the breakout star, is Francis Bourgeois. His internet fame for trainspotting might seem an odd fit for a motoring show, but his earnest, almost childlike wonder at machinery, coupled with his utterly unique perspective, is pure gold. He doesn't approach cars with the usual gearhead bravado; instead, he finds beauty and fascination in unexpected places, often focusing on the engineering and design in a way that feels fresh and unpretentious. His segment where he attempts to design and build a 'comfort car' for long journeys, incorporating elements from his beloved trains, is both absurd and genuinely heartwarming. His reactions are unfiltered, and his genuine joy in the simple mechanics of things is utterly infectious. The chemistry between the three, while different from the original, is developing into something special. It's less about constant bickering and more about a complementary dynamic where each presenter brings a distinct flavor to the overall experience. The production values, as expected, are breathtaking. The cinematography is consistently cinematic, making every location, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the desolate beauty of the Sahara, look like a travel documentary. The stunts are bigger, the explosions more dramatic, and the cars more spectacular than ever. The team hasn't lost its touch for creating visually stunning, high-impact television.
## What Doesn't
While the new trio is largely a success, the early episodes do suffer from some growing pains. The show, at times, leans a little too heavily on trying to recreate the 'feel' of the original, rather than fully embracing its new identity. There are moments where the banter feels a bit forced, as if they're trying to hit certain comedic beats that haven't quite organically developed yet. This is particularly noticeable in the first two episodes, where some of the scripted interactions feel a touch stilted, lacking the natural rhythm that comes with years of working together. It’s a bit like watching a band with a new lead singer trying to play their old hits – the notes are there, but the soul isn't fully ingrained yet.
Another minor quibble is the occasional pacing issue. Some segments, particularly those involving elaborate builds or extended challenges, can feel a little drawn out. While the ambition is commendable, there are times when a tighter edit would have served the narrative better. For instance, a multi-episode challenge involving converting a trio of classic cars into amphibious vehicles, while visually impressive, could have benefited from more concise storytelling in its middle act. The stakes are high, but the journey to get there sometimes meanders. Furthermore, while the new dynamic is refreshing, some long-time fans might miss the sheer, unadulterated chaos and the almost familial bickering of the original lineup. This new iteration is more collaborative, more overtly positive, and while that's not necessarily a bad thing, it does mean a slight reduction in the unpredictable, often politically incorrect edge that defined its predecessors. It's a trade-off, and one that some viewers might find a little too sanitized. The 'celebrity brain crash' segment, while a fun nod, feels a bit tacked on and doesn't quite land with the same irreverent punch as it did in the original series' early days.
## Who Is This For?
This iteration of *The Grand Tour* is for anyone who appreciates breathtaking automotive cinematography, grand adventure, and genuinely engaging personalities. If you're a petrolhead who loves seeing incredible cars pushed to their limits in exotic locations, you'll be in heaven. But it's also for viewers who might not be hardcore car enthusiasts but enjoy travel, engineering, and lighthearted entertainment. Francis Bourgeois's unique charm, in particular, will appeal to those who appreciate quirky, authentic personalities and a fresh perspective on the world. This is a show to watch when you want to escape, to be transported to far-flung corners of the globe, and to witness impressive feats of engineering and human ingenuity. It's perfect for a relaxed evening, perhaps with a takeaway, when you're looking for something visually stimulating and genuinely entertaining, without demanding too much emotional heavy lifting. Expect a mix of awe-inspiring visuals, genuine laughs, and a renewed sense of wonder at what cars (and their drivers) are capable of. It's a show that successfully blends high-octane action with moments of quiet reflection and genuine camaraderie.
## Final Verdict
*The Grand Tour* reboot with Holland, Engelsman, and Bourgeois is a triumphant return to form, proving that a beloved format can thrive with new blood. While it has some minor teething issues as the new trio finds its rhythm, the sheer ambition, stunning visuals, and the surprisingly potent chemistry of its new presenters make it an absolute must-watch. It's fresh, it's engaging, and it proudly carries the torch of its predecessors while forging its own exciting path. Tune in for the cars, stay for the unexpected charm of the new crew. This isn't just a reboot; it's a re-energized, genuinely exciting new chapter. Watch it tonight without hesitation – you won't regret the ride.
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